[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6200291,"mediaKeyId","3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443","parentId",3814634,"title","Council pauses Woodlane Drive 4-to-3 conversion amid business concerns over assessments and traffic","audioSeconds",1257,"startMs",7171000,"endMs",8428000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443&start=7171&end=8428","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443/thumbnail_7171000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6200291/Minnesota/Council-pauses-Woodlane-Drive-4-to-3-conversion-amid-business-concerns-over-assessments-and-traffic","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200291-a50cd5d209c5e1069af2cab9764bcd9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150085&Signature=Sza8bcYSfqNmo26bENjIbzQaO-U2ivhRF0EnFbeb2xmnq06K88G9RJDwNM6EpQWyI~csxF1Log~NIsvkpspdVtEhKtAkVu4VO6IQbyAmu986UWJt68w-Ua5V3PFUzvJyuiaBGHh0ul6DkobOpN~ytJtbFuZnt2O71QkTIuOUbjJnCFa04-NrLjKSa0VVc3JbaheP0A4Xf-Dt3HKA0hnyf0pdy8f8Fgpc7viNe1yRN8szgUOxJqmQ~DDL0-bk0tyLkbZuuJtovybfOCAPcQ-JpUFuJ-w1Iw-U9pyt5Jc-D5RKgTPs7uXxWk1B2uS1PXrI0o9fecT~toGqanpNPFmJjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Woodbury, MN","date","2025-06-12T15:26:12Z","article","The council also heard a public improvement hearing on a proposed Woodlane Drive pavement rehabilitation and a 4‑to‑3 lane conversion for the north portion of the corridor, but tabled the proposal after business owners and council members raised assessment and traffic-operation concerns.

City staff described the project as a roadway rehabilitation with pavement removal and replacement, minor curb and utility repairs, a 4‑to‑3 lane conversion on the north segment to add a center two‑way left-turn lane (a so‑called “road diet”), pedestrian crossing improvements, and replacement of old cast‑iron water main installed in 1968. The total project estimate is about $7.9 million; special assessments are estimated at about $1.3 million (approximately 17 percent). The city said it had secured a $1.0 million Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant specifically tied to the 4‑to‑3 lane conversion portion of the project.

Tom Sedlak, who identified himself as property owner of a commercial site on Woodlane Drive, said the proposed assessment map placed a large share of the project cost onto commercial properties that represent roughly 20 percent of the frontage and argued that the corridor plan did not analyze the effect of dozens of individual driveway right turns into businesses. Sedlak and others asked the council to consider splitting the north and south segments for separate treatment, to revisit the distribution of assessment burden, and to consider using grant funds to offset commercial assessments where the conversion would remove a travel lane.

City staff said traffic modeling indicates Woodlane Drive’s average daily traffic (around 9,000 vehicles) is well within accepted volumes for a three‑lane section and that experience on Lake Road’s similar conversion showed reduced accidents and lower speeds. Staff also explained the city’s assessment policy: residential parcels are assessed only if driveway access is to the improved roadway and commercial parcels are assessed if they have frontage; assessments for water/service replacements may be imposed for service lateral replacement consistent with policy.

After discussion about fairness and calls for more transparent, address-level assessment materials, the council voted to table action on Woodlane Drive to the next meeting. The tabling motion passed 3–1 with Council member Wilson voting no and one seat absent. Staff said they will provide a clear assessment roll and additional analysis for council and for property owners before the council considers ordering the project to design and bid.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Woodbury HRA/City Council Meeting 6-11-2025","oneSentenceSummary","A proposed conversion of Woodlane Drive from four to three lanes and associated utility and pedestrian work drew business-owner objections about assessment fairness and turn-lane impacts; the council tabled the proposal pending further review.","taxTitle","Woodbury City, Washington County, Minnesota","taxId",5011,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6200295,"City pauses 2026 roadway rehabilitation project after residents raise assessment, drainage and trail concerns",550,2983000,3533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443&start=2983&end=3533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443/thumbnail_2983000.jpg","/articles/6200295/Minnesota/City-pauses-2026-roadway-rehabilitation-project-after-residents-raise-assessment-drainage-and-trail-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200295-d4799e7ad3b6ded6b9b9e89715ff56d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150085&Signature=freaOIZzK6kYoNlre0fEVPaXoASffu17mZWOPBlV-1cnGlUWvQo80UQeRWwbsRB7glwgtgKIQnfSDLsCvNZ81CUOi7Gix0vBPDw4CEPzCfQsMup22nyX0L5Br~yosjlugYcDTYi~c3DgfXD4FseeQlE8Q-LiEFrj~ugzW2KfRLwABvUOoeGSRZYFIaJqn7POMdHnm-mz0ef2S6dvF0TkxxJU4v8smIuTACfc5r-eoeP8I8GuhJOi9ge3QDRmZQ9PcWW4JHQH~W5om2Vt2otEKb5qmoRiZaRqR5lvdhNY-rK-lwsXQqI2JDQiW2CmTy-5ELDhnxTSDKISz~w1mNhxSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City engineers presented the proposed 2026 roadway rehabilitation program on June 11, describing planned pavement replacement, spot curb repairs, select sanitary and water-main work, drain-tile installation to address chronic yard drainage, and a proposal to narrow Afton Road to make room for an 8-foot trail.

Project manager Colton said the city identified several neighborhoods for improvements — Ridgegate, Straits Farm, Woodbury On The Park, Overlook Point and Boulder Ridge — and provided condition data showing a neighborhood pavement-condition index averaging about 54 and an Afton Road average index near 31. The preliminary project estimate is about $8.8 million, with roughly $2.2 million (about 25 percent) proposed as special assessments to affected properties. Colton outlined typical assessment amounts presented in the draft feasibility report: single-family homes roughly $3,700; multifamily units roughly $2,500; about 14 parcels would face an additional utility-service assessment near $3,100; and Afton Road parcels would see assessments varying by lot size, with some estimates from about $4,700 to $9,400.

Residents at the hearing raised questions about landscape restoration, snow removal responsibilities for new trails, the location of relocated utility poles, and how assessments are calculated. John Johnson (Afton Road) asked why the new trail would include a boulevard rather than sit adjacent to the curb; staff answered that a boulevard moves poles and utilities closer to the roadway and provides a separation buffer for pedestrians. Mike Moore (High Point Road) asked about a previously cut irrigation and monument electrical line; staff said responsibility for irrigation and electrical within the right-of-way typically lies with the homeowners or HOA unless otherwise determined, and recommended addressing repairs when the city performs reconstruction.

Several residents and council members asked for clearer address-level assessment tables so property owners can see exactly what their proposed charges would be. Council member Wilson asked staff to provide updated feasibility documentation tied to low-bid numbers; after extended discussion the council voted to table the project to the next meeting so staff can provide more detailed assessment transparency and for the council to consider updated reports.

The council’s tabling vote passed 3–1 with Council member Wilson opposed; one council seat was absent. Staff said they will produce a more detailed assessment roll and consider whether to include updated feasibility figures in the public packet ahead of the next hearing. Colton and Public Works staff also reiterated that residents will have options for a 30‑day no-interest payment window after assessment adoption and a longer 15‑year repayment option through property taxes if homeowners prefer to spread payments.","The council heard detailed plans for the 2026 neighborhood roadway rehabilitation — including an 850-foot trail gap closure, drain-tile installations and utility realignments — but tabled final action after residents asked for more transparency on assessments and service charges.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6200299,"Woodbury council approves conditional use permit and conduit financing for Woodbury Leadership Academy expansion",1340,1594000,2934000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443&start=1594&end=2934","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443/thumbnail_1594000.jpg","/articles/6200299/Minnesota/Woodbury-council-approves-conditional-use-permit-and-conduit-financing-for-Woodbury-Leadership-Academy-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200299-b331e284a30ea9264b0d5f5db0feb51f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150085&Signature=ftBAwcZW3YZyYmdLwgCQz8IM0PLFSA3bBYRlCMbqSvi2d~ZJKmxQk1Tfy3iaqnM~TAnKLobfBGuSItt0jYnBUk5aLJEyNps9qQHKjzCFWsNjwqM~r7zM2R53ELr1SgOSOockG6YZhmENCJtN4GcYfTKwOdroIUOUA47YnfVe~ivSro-IW~EcZKQ4gQVrIZe~IGMBt1~9~-3yeIO-YtAkllRtVVgcx71EqHOKpFO8Cf2~idpHk8sdqdbPUtIz0XiaA27Pu-vtSA8Zr2RJJsygzRu3mT0yPgbuu4GdeBGjj1d-cFvFjKOw3zxz8dErMW8885SNN7odiDK~nrKuYIfTYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodbury City Council voted June 11 to approve a conditional use permit that will allow Woodbury Leadership Academy to expand its program to include grades 9 through 12 at the school’s campus at 8147 Globe Drive and to operate within most of the existing former Globe College building.

City planning staff told the council the school plans to add roughly 300 to 400 students to an existing enrollment of about 890 students and about 85 employees, bringing the campuswide total to an estimated 1,200–1,300 students once buildout is complete. City Planner Eric Searls explained the school will take occupancy in phases as existing commercial leases expire; the initial expansion area targeted for August 2025 totals about 15,000 square feet and occupies suites without active leases.

Planning Commission liaison Marsha Kennedy reported the commission’s concerns focused on vehicle stacking, student safety and circulation between buildings; the commission’s motion of approval included a condition requiring staff and the applicant to explore an additional sidewalk to improve student transitions between buildings. Eric Searls said the applicant proposes a staggered pickup plan and a parent stacking area to reduce queueing onto Hudson Road and Wood Duck Drive, and staff included a required traffic management plan as a condition of approval.

The council adopted Resolution No. 25-126 to approve the conditional use permit and findings of fact, with a roll-call approval (Council members Stafford, Wilson, Santini and Mayor Burt voting aye; one member absent). After the land-use vote, the council held a separate public hearing and approved a city resolution authorizing Woodbury Leadership Academy to issue approximately $18,000,000 in conduit revenue bonds (Resolution No. 25-127). City staff and the council emphasized that conduit bonds are not city debt: the academy is solely responsible for repayment, and fee and issuance costs are paid by the school.

Council members asked staff about parking, student driver strategies and coordination with remaining commercial tenants. Staff said existing on-site parking exceeds city code requirements and that the school has been proactive in tenant outreach. The council’s approval included a condition that the traffic management plan be approved by city staff and that future physical expansion plans would return to planning commission and council for design review and any necessary code adjustments.

The council’s actions open the way for the school to begin phased occupancy of vacant suites this August and to pursue subsequent interior and site changes as leases terminate through 2031.","The City Council approved a conditional use permit to allow Woodbury Leadership Academy to expand to grades 9–12 at 8147 Globe Drive, and adopted a resolution to approve conduit revenue bonds that will be repaid by the school, not the city.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6200304,"Woodbury officials say long-term water plant will ease PFAS but bring years of construction and road disruptions",4814,1157000,5971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443&start=1157&end=5971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3814634-ca9da49524d2fcfe7d7b83e6304e0443/thumbnail_1157000.jpg","/articles/6200304/Minnesota/Woodbury-officials-say-long-term-water-plant-will-ease-PFAS-but-bring-years-of-construction-and-road-disruptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200304-9df14c2f73016ae3e3647b4f67309583/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150085&Signature=nJ-APtAbspzd8KlZqFU0IY~fJj4tXnX3vlVfbOpBQ1wRR-CjUa27Daoz7gVh8aTzm2c7XnW8ZCMUANdk6h4GJNX5t-lx0VLd~Nzc0KzehXI9Y9xf1JU3M2zbZYOYJKXYHrfxMx0VPSlPOEFbxiLfKzZDWdeK6ys9EyXsZv6EZULQ~Mf0p-ZLkzrJw0kf1P2AfWH2tE8a2cNPv5ySnp7G7k5h4Kv1~ona8olUKarn1Kx9--u2S-b3w-6cGxUzp6gOqdwEXWU2g7XFaO61-jT0Tt3MK8RcwoOM-qlZAbzY61leH5WdcKw2z-D7QWOWWdnzld5lmGLoWW0ZXt8kpbbdQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Burt and city engineers on Wednesday told residents that Woodbury is building a permanent water treatment plant to remove PFAS from the city’s drinking water, but cautioned the work will cause substantial construction and traffic disruptions through 2028.

City leaders said the plant, associated piping and related work are expected to cost in the order of hundreds of millions of dollars and that most of the project is covered by existing financing. “We are currently removing PFAS from the water using temporary treatment facilities,” Mayor Burt said. “These temporary systems were not designed to last a century. We are now building a plant that will last a century.”

The city said the overall effort includes moving water from about 20 wells through roughly 17 miles of new pipeline to centralize treatment at the new plant near East Ridge High School. Director of Engineering Chris (title in transcript: director of engineering) said much of that pipe will be built along major county roads and that, because of the scope, “there’s going to be a lot of intensive road construction” over the next two to three years. He asked for patience from residents and said the city is coordinating construction phasing to keep routes open whenever possible.

At the meeting a resident, Dennis Ware, who identified himself as an East Ridge High School engineering teacher, described business disruptions from nearby work and urged more attention to local merchants. Ware said construction around retail sites is “affecting [businesses] tremendously” and urged the council to consider the local economic impacts of prolonged work.

City finance staff reported progress on financing needed for the utilities work. A bond sale conducted by the city on the morning of June 11 raised proceeds for the utility projects. Stacy Kilbane of municipal finance advisor Ehlers told the council the sale attracted six bids and that Piper Sandler submitted the lowest responsible bid, producing a true interest cost near 4.9 percent, an outcome the city described as favorable compared with prior rate assumptions. A member of the finance team said that the sale reaffirmed the city’s strong financial rating and liquidity.

Council members reiterated that conduit or other debt issued as utility revenue or by the water enterprise will be repaid from system revenues and does not directly increase general property tax levies. City staff also repeated that the large water treatment program—described in the meeting as a project on the order of $330,000,000 depending on scope—was being advanced with a combination of utility funds, grants and bond proceeds and that the city expects construction to continue through 2028.

Officials said they are coordinating with businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to mitigate impacts, using staging, signage and onsite staff where appropriate, and that the city will continue frequent outreach to affected neighbors. Director of Engineering Chris and project manager Colton invited residents to contact engineering staff and to sign up for InTouch project updates on the city website for the latest schedules and traffic notices.

For now, the council approved the bond sale measures required this week to support the utility program and authorized routine follow-up items related to the financing. Mayor Burt and council members noted the project’s long horizon and urged residents and business owners to use the city’s outreach channels for schedule and detour information.","City leaders told residents the planned water treatment plant and pipeline network will permanently address PFAS in the drinking water but will require multi-year construction, large financing and ongoing traffic impacts; a city bond sale this month produced favorable interest results.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council pauses Woodlane Drive 4-to-3 conversion amid business concerns over assessments and traffic

City pauses 2026 roadway rehabilitation project after residents raise assessment, drainage and trail concerns

Woodbury council approves conditional use permit and conduit financing for Woodbury Leadership Academy expansion

Woodbury officials say long-term water plant will ease PFAS but bring years of construction and road disruptions